Anyone else involved in athletics? I'm on my college's cross country team and I was wondering how having arthritis affects other athletes.

[K8enelson]

Right now I am only running 20 minutes at a time because of the swelling and fatigue.

[Mel_]

I used to do a lot of running which I loved (long distance) it's one of the things that I miss so much. I had slowed down a bit prior to being told I had RA but still enjoyed a very active life; however you must consider it is an impact sport. If you are ok for now then carry on but you must discuss this with your Dr/consultant. I am unable to do any running now, I'm lucky to be able to go for a walk without being in too much pain, but we are all different and RA treats us all differently. You may feel ok now but you do need to start considering your body; there may come a time when you might want to opt for a more gentle form of excercise. But if you are anything like I was then you will love running and find it a form of escapism, I miss it so so much. From your photo it looks like you go for track events (short distance??) Sorry I can't be more positive and of any more help.

Regards Mel

[Hidden]

I think running./ jogging could put great strain on joints? as it is high impact..? best take professional advice , Power walking would be a safer option?. It must be hard if you are a sports person, I used to do longish walks and play badminton but I cant do this anymore!, think it is important to do some form of exercise to maintain , mobillity and flexibility, I now walk on the treadmill and use a cross trainer for short periods, I had to build up to this!, I had hydrotherapy to get me walking properly again not so long ago!.

[Beth58]

Hi K8enelson, good for you,

As long as you feel well enough to continue running go for it and well done for getting on the team. x

[Hidden]

No athletics here, but have to say good on you!! Keep it up as long as your RA lets you

Julie x

[Mel_]

I don't want to say anything negative about other peaples replies; however I do have to say (from someone that knows) running is one of the worst impact sports. It is medically proven that running can do more damage on the joints than any other sport - I've got the knees to prove it! Please discuss this with your medical team; they are the one that should advise you on this issue. mel

[Custard]

Hi there,

I agree with Beth, good for you!

No athletics anymore. but I walk a brisk 45mins to work daily and cycle when my hands are up to it ( braking when fingers dont bend can be tricky lol).

The last thing you want to do when your active is completely stop but do remember to pace yourself; it also depends where you RA is targetting?

My RA targets my hands, balls of feet/toes & Jaw primarily. I have had a couple of horrendous shoulder flares in the past. When my feet play up I swap my walks for cycling (or standing cycle at home or gym) and pilates stretching. When everything plays up I stick to just stretching

Initially the RA diagnosis got me down but as long as I listen to my body (sit still and stretch until the fatigue passes) I have found that in most cases I can continue as normal.

Hope that helps

Joy

[Halo_Jones]

Hi there,

I can empathise completey with the situation you've described. I was a competing ultra runner pre-RA diagnosis; I used to run an average of 100 miles a week and lived for trail ultra running competitions and events. I was out and about almost every weekend competing, and had just got my trail half marathon time down to 01:26. I also competed in martial arts, danced, and played the occasional game of ice-hockey! I'm letting you know this because running and fitness really was my life before I became ill, and it was the hardest thing to learn to adapt to.

I tried to continue running but ended up damaging myself by insisting on pushing through the pain, inflammation, and tenderness. I had races booked and paid for that I didn't want to miss and really thought that this was just another obstacle to be overcome if I was determined enough. I've had to learn to channel that determination in a different direction.

I no longer run. I still miss it, but I have found other things to keep me healthy. I walk when I can, with special shoes with rounded soles to spread the pressure. I practise Pilates and yoga, sometimes swim, as well as lifting weights 3 times a week. I support my old running friends with training tips and encouragement, but I no longer compete with them. I still hope that one day I will be able to run again, and my physical activities at the moment will keep me in good shape to start up again, but I've accepted that it's not something I can do at the moment.

I really hope that you are lucky enough to be able to keep up your running and competing, cross country is a fantastic way to run, but if you can't, don't despair, you will find something else to take pride in your acheivements in.

Best of luck,

Halo

[K8enelson in reply to Halo_Jones]

Halo,

Not being able to run again is my biggest fear. My dr. told me I have an 85% chance of getting rid of my arthritis because it is Juvenile Arthritis. I got arthritis right before my senior year of high school track. I was able to get my time down to 2:28 for an 800 during the middle of the season but things just kept getting worse from there because of the swelling in my feet. It ruined my senior year of high school and I only have 4 years of college to compete, I don't want those to be ruined too.

I am so sorry you can't compete anymore. It makes me cry just thinking about how you feel. Running is my life too. I feel if I won't be able to run again I lose who I am. I hope you will be able to start running again, I really do. Thanks for sharing your story with me, it seemed like there was no one in the same situation as me.

Thanks,

Katie